Gwangju Kimchi Festival
OctoberJeonnam-Gwangju Special City
Gwangju Kimchi Festival is an annual food festival held at the Gwangju City Hall plaza area in Seo-gu, Gwangju. It brings together traditional kimchi-making culture and fresh new kimchi ideas, so you can see its past, present and future all in one place. Admission is free, and it is open from 10:00 to 20:00.
When is it held?
Every year around late October. The exact dates change every year.
This year’s dates
Held 2026: Oct 23 ~ Oct 25 (ended). Check the official website for next year’s dates.
Before you go, check this year’s dates and fees on the official website.
What can you do there?
- Watch the Korean Kimchi Contest and meet kimchi masters in a master class
- Try making kimchi yourself at a hands-on experience (the kimchi school is paid)
- Browse the Kimchi Market for kimchi products
- Eat at the Table of a Thousand, a food area with cultural performances
- Explore the Kimchi Playground and the Salt Experience Hall
Tips for visitors from abroad
Getting there
From Seoul you can reach the Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City area by KTX, express bus or intercity bus. Once there, check public transit to the venue in a map app (Naver Map and KakaoMap are the most accurate in Korea).
Naver Map ↗ KakaoMap ↗ Google Maps ↗ Official website ↗
What to wear and bring
Autumn days are mild and nights are cool. Bring a light jacket and shoes that are comfortable for long walks.
This is general guidance. Check the official website for what to bring and how to enter each event.
Photos
Source: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI. Dates may change. · Photo: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type3 · Shown unaltered.
Other festivals in the same month
Frequently asked questions
When is Gwangju Kimchi Festival held?
Every year around late October. The exact dates change every year. This year’s dates have not been announced yet.
How do I get to Gwangju Kimchi Festival?
From Seoul, take KTX, an express bus or an intercity bus toward Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City, then check public transit to the venue in a map app.
Is Gwangju Kimchi Festival free?
The official overview does not list admission. Please check the official website.
Places to visit near this festival in Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City
Top attractions elsewhere in Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City. Combine them with this event in one trip.
Source: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI. Dates may change.